ON PAGE six of the Macclesfield Express Councillor Jane Palmer urged residents to express their views on local issues stating that Macclesfield Borough Council are 'the listening council'.

She had no idea just how lucky she was to become.

Appearing only three pages later was the story of 200 local residents who simply do not want another off-licence in their Bond Street neighbourhood.

Let's face it, there's hardly a shortage of alcohol retailers in Macclesfield so it won't be any great loss if we don't have another.

The results of over-supply are plain to see and any sane council would want to restrict additional outlets.

Obviously we can't fight 'alcohol related nuisance' AND give the nod of approval to every unwanted neighbourhood off-licence.

Given the new found determination of Cheshire Police to combat drunkenness and MBC's experience of alcohol related crime I'm amazed that Boozer started fitting out their store in advance of the required planning and licensing decisions.

At past application hearings when residents' views were swept aside in favour of the breweries MBC blamed Macclesfield Police who, in turn, blamed MBC for their mutual lack of opposition.

Both blew enough hot air to launch a Zeppelin but never found the courage to support local residents in their objections.

Hence our town centres are awash with drunken yobs.

But both organisations now have new leadership eager to show how much they listen to local opinion.

So here's their big chance to put it to the test.

Let's have no more talk.

The views of 200 residents have been clearly expressed.

Let us see the result.

THE views expressed on this page are those of Vic Barlow and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Express.